Thank you for such a warm welcome to the forum! The reason I haven't posted detailed info is because I posted the question from work and didn't have the info to hand, I apologise.
Details that I know from the top of my head are: (and I can add detailed specs later when I get home)
Beige Power Macintosh G3 desktop machine, running OS 9.2
As for being a rank amateur, I'm afraid I am when it comes to Macs, this is literally the first Mac i've ever touched as I've always avoided them, but I realise that it would be beneficial to have at least a fundamental working knowledge of one.
I apologise if I offended my offering the detail that I am an engineer, it was meant to help anyone replying knowing where to start although I can provide my MCP ID if required
(please take my reply in the spirit I am giving it)
EDIT----------
I'm now in front of the machine, details are:
OS 9.2.2
Memory 288MB built in
Machine ID 510
Power Macintosh G3 series PowerPC G3 300MHz
it has a built in and an additional network card. I've tried configuring both. Both return a 169.x.x.x IP address so obviously not getting a lease.
If any more info would be helpful I'll try and find it but will need a point in the right direction.